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06/01/2012

Nollaig na mBan (Womens Little Christmas)

by hayfieldmanor

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For Christians, January 6th is known as the Feast of the Epiphany, when it was revealed that the infant Jesus Christ was the son of God, the Messiah, saviour of mankind. In Ireland, January 6th is marked by Nollaig na mBan or Women's Little Christmas.

On this day it is the tradition in Ireland for the women to get together and enjoy their own Christmas, while the men folk stay at home and handle all the chores.

It is also common for children to buy their mothers and grandmothers presents on this day, though this custom is gradually being overtaken by Mothers Day.

Although Nollaig na mBan is slowly dying out in many parts of Ireland, in Cork the tradition is still very strong where Corkonian women meet up with girl friends, sisters, aunts and mothers to celebrate their own little Christmas with Nollaig na mBan.